Environment DEC
From the December 2007 issue
DEC Announces Habitat and Recreation Improvement Grants
More than $100,000 will be given to local projects across New York State to improve habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as increase public access for outdoor recreation as part of a grant announcement made recently by Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis. Funding for the grants is generated from the sale of DEC's Habitat Access Stamps.
Grants Fund Innovative Improvements
"These projects will provide innovative ways for New Yorkers to enjoy our diverse and beautiful natural world and enhance the ongoing protection of our fish, wildlife, and habitat," Commissioner Grannis said. "I encourage everyone who loves the outdoors to support the Habitat Stamp program so that we can continue funding such projects."
Several grants will be used to construct wheelchair accessible facilities at fishing sites
A total of $108,673 will be awarded to fund 10 fish and wildlife habitat management and access improvement initiatives throughout New York State. Applications were submitted by municipalities and not-for-profit organizations for small scale projects that would benefit the management of and access to fish and wildlife resources in New York. The projects receiving the grants were selected from among 41 proposals received by DEC.
The state's Habitat and Access Stamp is sold by license sales agents throughout New York. Proceeds from the sale of habitat stamps are deposited into a special "Habitat Account" within the Conservation Fund, and are used specifically for conservation projects. A Habitat/Access Stamp is not required to hunt, fish or trap, nor is it necessary to purchase a sporting license in order to buy a Habitat Stamp. The Habitat Stamp costs $5 and included in the purchase is a complimentary lapel pin with the 2006-07 season design of a wild turkey.
More Information
See the Habitat/Access Stamp page on DEC's website for more information about the programs it helps fund. Also, the full press release on which this story is based has a table listing the 10 habitat/access projects that were selected.
